Painting a Fireplace

by Tim Lodge on May 07, 2022

Fireplace Re-Styling Made Easy

We know the last thing you want to do on the Weekend is D.I.Y, but the satisfaction you'll get from completing that little job will go a long way.

We are here to help. Our Weekend Tip might just save you that 5 minutes, so you can put the feet up and relax, and enjoy the spoils of your day.

Painting a Fireplace.         

A fireplace is the centre-piece of a room, providing heat and a space. It’s also a popular D.I.Y object for painting, and can add a really distinctive look to a room.

There are numerous reasons to paint a fireplace. One may be that you’ve moved home and an old or tired-looking fireplace prevents the room’s decor from coming together.

You can paint a wooden fireplace or mantel and they are some of the most common fireplaces found in homes.

Painting a wood fireplace is no different to any other wooden fixture or trim in your home. Due to wood fireplaces being so common, you can use a variety of colours. Just follow our simple steps.

Which paint should I use?

Satin paints are a good choice for painting your fireplace or mantel. They are available in a large range of colours, both ready made and mixed. You will need to apply 2-3 coats for a tough finish.

You will also need a primer under the paint to prevent soot and dirt coming through to ruin the paintwork.

What’s the process?         

Remember to put down sheets to avoid getting paint and primer on your flooring or walls. Use masking tape around edges you wish to keep paint away from. Always have a loose rag on hand for any little drips. Wash brushes and rollers to remove any loose bristles and fibres. These can be dried very quickly with a hairdryer.

1. If the fireplace mantle is stained and varnished, sand it down thoroughly with a light sandpaper and wipe clean. Sanding will even the surface and remove any chips.

2. Apply a primer onto the fireplace using a brush. A small roller may work, depending on the design of the fireplace. The primer will also cover any stains, such as damp spots or heat marks

3. If the surface underneath is a dark colour, it is best to undercoat the fireplace also.

4. Apply your topcoat paint with a brush, this will work better than a roller if your fireplace is not flat.

5. You will need extra coats of paint to really make the colour stand out. Two to three thin coats should be enough and will even out any brush strokes.

When should I prime?  

Priming is the single most important process when painting any surface.
In most cases, where a item has been painted previously, priming is not required. However, if the item was previously painted with an oil based gloss, and you are now applying a water-based gloss, satin, or matt, then it is good practice to prime.

Most shiny surfaces which require to be painted, will need to be primed. This includes varnished surfaces. Also melamine, metal, tiles, fibreglass, and formica.

Priming is also required where they are stains such as, nicotine, smoke and carbon deposit, lipstick, crayon, mould and mildew, or water damage.

Priming gives outstanding adhesion and stain killing power.

 

What to do when the jobs done?

Find a new project, or put the feet up and relax in front of your new, refashioned and refurnished fireplace.

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